Classics of Philippine Cartography Exhibit in Cebu
On January 26, 2026, I had the privilege to attend a lecture presented by esteemed Public Historian Professor Ambeth R. Ocampo, 'Maps and the Emergence of the Philippine Nation'. It was the 5th session in the Kartograpiya series of lectures sponsored by the National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu and PHIMCOS (Philippine Map Collectors Society).
The National Museum in Cebu is housing an exhibit of over 80 maps of the Philippines and Cebu in partnership with PHIMCOS. Curated by PHIMCOS members, Andoni Aboitiz and Margarita Binamara. Both Aboitiz and Binamara have Cebuano roots.
Classics of Philippine Cartography from the 16th to the 19th Centuries will be displayed until June 2026. I recommend that you visit the gallery and learn about our rich history and heritage through the story of the maps. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us. I've been to the exhibit three times, and every visit is an eye-opener.
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| Murillo Velarde Map 1734 |
A reproduction of 'The Mother of All Philippine Maps', the 1734 Murillo Velarde map, is part of the exhibit as well as Antonio Pigafetta's depiction of Cebu and Mactan. The unique 1761 Aspecto Symbólico del Mundo Hispano by Vicente Laureano de Mamjie is also displayed. This map portrays the Hispanic World of 1761 as a crowned, standing female figure. As pointed out by Professor Ambeth R. Ocampo, the Philippines graces the lady's slippers, Luzon on her right foot and Mindanao on her left foot, while the Visayas is in between and Palawan below.
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| Pigafetta's Map of Cebu and Mactan |
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| Aspecto Symbolico del Mundo Hispanico 1761 |
Maps dedicated to Cebu are also on display. An example is the Plano de la Ciudad de Cebu 1873 by Domingo de Escondrillas. This reproduction of the original map shows the center of Cebu City during the 19th Century. It depicts the Fort, the Cathedral, the Parian, and the Lutao areas of the original city and the emerging areas of Barrio de Cogon, Ermita, and the Carbon market. The original map is housed at the Ministerio de Defensa, Archivo General Militar Cartografia in Madrid, Spain.
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| 1873 Cebu Map |
After the lecture session, I approached Margarita Villalon Binamara after learning that she was there and asked to have a photo with her. I've been collecting The Murillo Bulletin, Journal of PHIMCOS, for six years now. One of the journals that I have is Bulletin no. 14, which is a special edition about the Mapping and History of Cebu. I brought it as a supplement to viewing the exhibit, which I wasn't able to do during my past visits. When Ms. Binamara saw my copy, she mentioned that it was already out of print.
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| Various Maps on Display |
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| Margaux Camaya and Margarita Villalon Binamira |
I've always been fascinated with historical maps. An item on my bucket list is to own a copy of a vintage map, which is now expensive. One of my favorite Jan Vermeer paintings is the 'Geographer'. Unfortunately, during my Citizens Army Training for Officers in High School, reading maps was my weakest link. Good thing we now have Google Maps to assist us.
The gift shop of the museum is also selling the companion book of 'Classics of Philippine Cartography' exhibit, which features more maps and articles about them.
The National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu is open from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. It is beside Plaza Independencia.
#Kasaysayan #Cebu #TheVisualTraveler #PHIMCOS #Philippines #MuseumSunday #NationalMuseumPH
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